Every July devoted Catholic Costa Ricans gather in Puntarenas to take part in the celebretations of the pagan festival, Virgen del Mar (Virgin of the Sea).
This year marked the 100 years since the miracle of the virgin of the sea in Puntarenas was recorded. The centenary was commemorated with a special church mass and the tradicional procession by ferry, along the coast of Puntarenas, the image of the virgin.
Throughout the month there are activities in Puntarenas led by the Catholic church.
This popular celebration, first held in 1913, consists of fishing boats and yachts decorated with lights and flags and sail around the harbour. Thousands of locals flock to celebrate and witness the blessing of commercial fishing boats by the local priest.